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readers to share their opinion by
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for publication. All submissions must be
typed and include the writer’s name
and contact information. Contact
information will not be printed unless
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will not print any unsigned submission.
Letters to the editor should not
exceed 300 words and guest columns
should not exceed 600. The decision
to publish is at the discretion of the
editorial board.
The Advocate reserves the right
to edit for style, punctuation, grammar
and length.
Please bring submissions to
The Advocate in Room 1369, or
e-mail them to advocatt@mhcc.edu.
Submissions must be received by 5
p.m. Monday the week of publication
to be considered for print.
Opinions expressed in columns,
letters to the editor or advertisements
are the views of the author and do
not necessarily reflect those of The
Advocate or MHCC.

Front-page photo
by Jessica Ison

MHCC parking —
­ A problem with solutions

Parking this week is more than likely on the
minds of every student at MHCC. However, The
Advocate has some no-nonsense information that
we would like every student to pay attention to,
acknowledge — and then get back to focusing on
more pressing issues.
Parking is always an issue. Anyone who has
been at MHCC for any period of time knows this.
There has been significant enrollment growth,
resulting in even less parking than usual. Although official figures will not be available until
after the fourth week, we can tell we have a lot
more students because of all the waiting (bookstore lines, financial aid lines, class waiting lists,
etc.) we have had to do this week.
When we look at the fact that our school is in
debt up to President John Sygielski’s ears, not
being able to find a parking spot for 20 minutes
doesn’t seem to be that big a deal. Debt versus no
parking equals no brainer.
The Advocate has some ideas for students to
consider that could help alleviate the parking
situation for everyone:

• There are carpool passes available in the College Center. Carpool parking spaces are right up
front so buddy up with a classmate, split the cost
of gas, and ride together to school. Even without
buying a carpool pass, fewer people driving will
always equal more parking and fewer headaches
• We understand that this may not be the favorite option but there is always Tri-Met. It’s a
great time to pull out the old textbooks and study
while you ride to school. Plus, riding the bus with
the public offers a good opportunity to check off
your good deed for the year by standing while allowing a pregnant woman to sit, or helping an
elderly person get situated with their walker.
• Instead of spending money on gas to drive
back and forth to school, students can utilize one
of the bike racks found around campus and ride a
bike to school. This would also help the environment.
Parking is always going to be an issue, but
rather than complaining about it, think about
what is causing the problems, and what part you
can take to solve it.

Guest column

Student awareness can help deter 'crimes of convenience'
By Cherilyn Nederhiser
Public Safety Officer
Every month, the majority of all the crime reported at Mt. Hood Community College involves
the theft of unattended
or unsecured property. Although MHCC is a safe
place, it doesn’t mean everybody who studies, visits, bikes or walks onto the
campus will remain honest when they see an opportunity to steal. An item
such as a backpack, purse
or laptop that is left unattended on a table or in a
locked vehicle is like flashing dollar signs to a potential thief. Would you leave
a pile of money sitting in
your car?
“Opportunity theft” is a
crime of convenience that
is committed by people
who have adopted the philosophy that they are not
guilty unless caught. They
may view a visible GPS unit as an open invitation to break out
a car window. While most people are honest and turn in property to the College Center Lost and Found Department (AC
1051), others have a finder’s-keeper’s attitude. Thus, the vast
majority of crime on campus can be prevented with minimal
effort. Removing the opportunity to commit these thefts will
usually prevent them from occurring in the first place.
To help resolve this issue, the Department of Safety and
Security Management has teamed up with the Associated
Student Government to launch an innovative adaptation of
the popular Neighborhood Watch program. Campus Watch
is a new program being developed by ASG President Larry
Collins-Morgan, which will encourage students to act as additional “eyes and ears” on campus by observing and reporting
suspicious activity. In addition, students can apply to participate in “Students on Patrol.”

Student patrol members
will conduct foot patrols
through the parking lots
and Academic Centers of the
Gresham, Bruning and Maywood Campuses reporting
suspicious activity, new graffiti, concerns or safety hazards. Collins-Morgan believes
that “when students actively
watch their campuses, it
sends a message that crime
will not be tolerated here”.
Student on Patrol volunteers must successfully pass
a criminal background check
and orientation training prior
to going out on patrol with
another volunteer or Public Safety Officer. Interested
students should call 503-4917310 to obtain an application or ask questions about
this new program. According
to ASG Vice President John
Francis, “students can now do
something to prevent crime
on campus instead of only rePhoto Illustration
porting it.”
Keeping the campuses
safe is the responsibility of all students, faculty and staff. The
more the entire College community works together, the less
crime we will have.

Corrections:

-In Issue 1 of The Advocate, there was an error in
the story entitled “Crime
watch aims to involve students.” Cherilyn Nederhiser,
public safety lead, did not
submit a formal proposal to
the MHCC District board.
The Advocate regrets the error.

-In Issue 1 of The Advocate, there was an error in
the story entitled “Mackintosh Braun hopes to bring
tears worldwide.” The band
was never on the set of
“Chuck.” The Advocate regrets the error.

September 24, 2010

Looking to
the stars
New planetarium director hopes
to rekindle the magic of space
By John Tkebuchava/The Advocate
Photo by Devin Courtright/The Advocate

MHCC is starting the 2010-2011
school year by welcoming Pat Hanrahan as the part-time planetarium
director and replacement for Doug
McCarty, who retired in June after 23
years at the college.
Hanrahan has taught astronomy
at MHCC for three years as a parttime faculty member. He also teaches
astronomy at Clackamas Community
College and Portland State University.
Hanrahan was told of the opening
by McCarty, whom he has known for
several years. Hanrahan said he has
nothing but respect for McCarty.
“I have a tough challenge (ahead)
filling the boots of Doug McCarty as
he has done an excellent job in his position,” he said.
Hanrahan said he is enthusiastic
about his new role and has established
several goals in hopes to better the
program.
“My goals include showing that
astronomy is not a dead science and
that there are many fascinating new
discoveries being found all the time,”
Hanrahan said in an email last Tuesday.
Hanrahan is also pleased that the

planetarium will run live shows. Other programs, such as those at OMSI,
often use pre-recorded shows for their
presentations. At the MHCC shows
Hanrahan will direct, he will point
out major constellations and planets.
A slide show will include images provided by NASA’s Hubble Telescope, as
well as a few images he has taken. “I
encourage questions from the public
during my shows as these are an important part of the program,” he said.
Hanrahan also hopes to instill an
enthusiasm for astronomy and spoke
of rekindling the “magic” of space.
“I’ve had students that have told me
that they remember their first visits
to the planetarium when they were in
grade school and how magical those
visits had been,” said Hanrahan.
Born in Oregon, Hanrahan has
lived in the state for the majority of
his life. He received his bachelor’s
degree in chemistry at Portland State
University, and received his masters
in chemistry at the University of Illinois.
As an amateur astrophotographer,
he often spends his vacations with his
telescope and camera in Central and
Eastern Oregon where he hikes by
day, and looks for deep space objects
by night. He intends to add his collection of personal astrophotography to
the planetarium shows. “Most people
are not aware of how much amateurs
are advancing in [astrophotography],”
said Hanrahan.
Students are admitted free to the
public planetarium shows. The first
will be Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. and 8:15 p.m.
The public shows will continue on the
first Monday evening of each month at
the same times, and daytime school
shows will be hosted on Fridays.

On-campus parking a concern
for students who arrive late
By Anevay Torrez
The Advocate

Everyone’s heard a version of the following
saying: “If you’re on time, you’re late; if you’re
early, you’re on time.” The early part should
be taken literally when hunting for a parking
space at MHCC.
Cathy Merlo, a second-year student in the
registered nursing program, has experienced
evidence of higher enrollment of students this
year and said there are limited avenues of resolution.
“For people who have kids and a job, it’s
not an option to get here an hour early to find
a parking space, but I always come an hour
early because by 9:15 a.m. you’re pretty much
lucked out,” said Merlo.
During the first week of fall term, students
were forced to look for parking in the lots located by the Child Development Center and
Fisheries Department because there was an

orange mesh roadblock located at intersections throughout the campus.
According to Richard Byers, director of
facilities management, the orange mesh is
meant “to force people to drive by the parking
spaces on the east side of campus, and to keep
traffic from backing up with people going in
and out from Stark Street.”
Merlo said, “There’s room for a structure.
Off-campus parking down on Stark Street, by
the mall, with shuttles, could work. It would
help with the traffic and frustration of finding
a parking space.
“We’re only three days into the term,” said
Merlo. “It could be like this all through fall
term or in two weeks people may not come every single day.”
With a higher full-time enrollment, students may continue to run into parking issues
but, according to Byers, “the parking spaces
near the athletic department are available.”

September 24, 2010

Giving for a good cause
Above: BJ Perkins takes time out of his day to donate blood.
Middle: Jes Smith took time out to donate also, as a Red Cross nurse assists. “I just like to help
people,” said Smith, “I feel like I have extra blood some people don’t have.”
Photos by Mike Mata/The Advocate

Students option for health and wellness
to be replaced with Internet version
By Jessica Winters
The Advocate

The MHCC Health and Wellness Resource
Center in the College Center has been closed
but college officials are developing a new online information option that will soon be available to the MHCC community.
The Health and Wellness Resource Center
closed at the end of the 2009-10 school year.
The new health and wellness resource program is being developed and will be launched
as an online referral service, according to David Sussman, manager of College Center Student Services and Grant Funded Programs.
Sussman said, “We want to make sure students and the community have access to that
information. What is the best way to reach as
many individuals without sacrificing privacy?
In today’s world, the best way to do that would
be on the Internet.”
The HWRC that had been located in the
College Center provided resources on health
needs, health care, immunizations, alcohol

and drug problems, first aid, etc. Sussman
said the center closed “due to a combination
of faculty reassignments and a strained budget.” Nursing instructor Chrissy Bloome, who
had previously worked with the HWRC, has
returned to full-time instruction.
This new program will offer much of what
the HWRC offered, but because the new service will be online, its hours will not be constrained by those of the College Center, but
will be accessible 24/7.
Students will be notified via email or the
MHCC website when the online referral program is available. According to Sussman, the
program is scheduled to become operational
during fall term.
For additional services, here are some continuing options:
• If students need basic first aid, the College Center has it available at the front desk.
• If an injury occurs or for help beyond basic first aid, the Public Safety Department is
available to help.

Class raps strive to increase number of voters
By Jen Ashenberner
The Advocate

The Associated Student Government is conducting a campaign to register 1,500 students
by Oct. 12 to vote in the Oregon general election Nov. 2.
“The power is in numbers,” said Josh Baker, Oregon Student Association Campus Organizer. “The more students that we can get
involved, the more impact we can have on important issues that affect our lives.”
Baker has been working to gather student
registration forms and encourage students,
who are not registered, to get registered now.
Kate Burns, ASG director of state and federal affairs, was directing the campaign prior
to her resignation earlier this month.
In an email in early September, Burns said,

“As a component of the voter registration part
of the campaign, we have a team of students
that is going around the MHCC campus doing
class raps.” The class raps are three-to-fiveminute-long speeches packed with important
voting information, Burns said. The class raps
are scheduled to continue until Oct. 12.
The campaign is an effort to get as many
students involved in the voting process for the
upcoming November elections.
Burns said, “Oregonians will be voting for
a new governor and our state’s next senators
and representatives.
“These politicians will be setting the direction of our state’s leadership and have great
influence over funding for higher education
and other issues important to students and
the MHCC community,” he said.

September 24, 2010

Newly appointed director of communications

Armed with new experiences, Huffman is back in town
By Kylie Rogers
The Advocate

As of July 26, Maggie Huffman has filled the position of Director of Communications for MHCC, despite the two-week vacation she took to Italy with her
daughters just two weeks after being hired. She jumped right into
work though as soon as she got back. "I remember I got home on
a Friday and went straight to work come Monday," she said.
"When I got the job offer I was thrilled! I thought it was a
perfect match. I have a passion for Mt. Hood Community College and it brings me home, I know this area." said Huffman.
Huffman graduated from Gresham High School to find
herself being recruited to work for "The Advocate" by the
journalism adviser at the time, Mike Byrd. According to
Huffman, Byrd was a bigger than life character; he was a
former pro football player, he had a booming voice, smoked
cigars in class and wore pink striped pants. "I'm fortunate to
have learned from someone with as much caliber as Byrd...
His rules of design still impact me today," said Huffman.
Huffman spent 2 years at MHCC pursuing journalism
back in the early ’70s before moving onto the journalism
program at Oregon State University. "Journalism
was a career choice back in grade school," Huffman recalled, "In 5th grade there was a writing
assignment to write a tall tale and when I got
it back the teacher had written a comment asking me if I had considered being a writer."
In the years before her return to MHCC,
Huffman spent her time in a variety of communications jobs, which resulted in award
winning newsletter publications from the
International Association of Business Communicators. She spent 6 months working as
a reporter for "The Valley Times" where she
realized that she didn't want to be a journalist, but instead work in communications.
She spent 8 years working for Crown
Zellerbach producing the company newsletters - designing, writing and editing the publication. "When I started my boss thought my
photography skills needed work so he hired

David Falconer to help me. I spent
a week learning about photos with
him," she said. Sir James Goldsmith eventually bought out the
company and she was laid off.
Huffman Creative Services was
her own business for 15 years in
which she was producing photos,
videos, speeches, ads and award
winning newsletters for companies.
Huffman spent another eight
years doing press and media relations for Legacy Health System.
She dealt with proactive stories,
such as new surgical technologies,
as well as reactive stories, such as
Maggie Huffman high profile car crashes or shootdirector of communications ings. She even planned the opening
ceremony for the first new hospital
in Washington State in 30 years; at which she found herself singing Frank Sinatra and Bruce Springsteen into the microphone
of a then empty outdoor tent. "I've never been one to carry a
tune," she said, "I believe in having fun while you work."
And most recently Huffman spent two years working as
the Manager of Public Relations and Communication for
Health Net insurance, a Fortune 200 company based in
California. Her office, however, was in Tigard.
"I've never been one to enjoy a job where there's a
potential for boredom," Huffman said.
Huffman plans on using all the available communication outlets to spread the word about MHCC including making a twitter account for the school among
other plans. Huffman is also working with Gale
Blessing, Director of Safety & Security, and Stacie
Huffaker, Risk Management Coordinator, on updating the incident command system.

"When I got the job offer
I was thrilled! I thought it
was a perfect match. I have
a passion for Mt. Hood
Community College
and it brings me
home, I know this
area."

Maggie Huffman, appointed the new director of communications, was a
student of MHCC.
PHOTO BY Richard ison

Faculty offers contract proposal
Randy Stedman, the labor relations consultant hired by the board to bargain the contract
The MHCC Full-time Faculty Association for the administration, said the current conMonday presented a counter-proposal on sala- tract had a step spread of 77 percent.
“That range of 77 percent is extraordinarily
ries to the administration during contract newide. Range spread is typically 55 or 65 pergotiations.
cent,” said Stedman.
The proposal the
Stedman
also
administration had
Board Proposal → Faculty Proposal
said that the top
given the faculty in
Three-year plan → One-year plan
step is higher than
May eliminated cost
average, and the
of living increases
Eliminate cost of living → Maintain 1.7% cost of living
bottom step is lowfor faculty at the top increases for the top step
adjustment
er than average.
step, while increasDecrease step increases → Maintain 4.5% step increases
The
faculty
ing adjustments for
said
its
counterfaculty at the bottom
Maintain all steps → Eliminate bottom two steps
proposal puts the
step. The proposal is
spread within the
a three-year plan.
range sought by the
The counter proposal from faculty is a one-year plan that administration without changing the step inmaintains the 4.5 percent increase between creases or the cost of living adjustment.
Sara Williams, a math instructor and the
steps as well as a 1.7 percent cost of living
adjustment. The proposal also eliminated the faculty’s chief negotiator, said the faculty feels
uncomfortable with the administration’s probottom two steps.
The administration said its proposal was posal for Article 21 because she said the salary
based on comparisons of MHCC’s full-time freeze at the top of the scale amounts to a perfaculty contract with five community colleges manent earning loss.
in the state: Clackamas, Lane, Linn-Benton,
The next negotiation session will be 4-6
Chemeketa and Portland.
p.m. Thursday in the district board room.

By Jordan Tichenor
The Advocate

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6 Living Arts

September 24, 2010

The art
of Mike Hill

Photos by Devin Courtright/The Advocate

By Mario Rubio
The Advocate
It’s 5 p.m. on West Powell Boulevard in downtown Gresham where recently retired dentist
Mike Hill sits in his studio above his office looking
at some of his proudest watercolor paintings.
With an exhibit titled “Realism With an Attitude” on display in the College Center, Hill, 67,
has had his art deeply rooted in Gresham for the
last decade. The title comes from his work. His
paintings are of real people and objects seen in everyday events, but with the watercolor aspect they
are given a sense of nostalgia.
Although he recently retired from practicing
dentistry, Hill still has weekly visits from longtime patients whom he has grown to love and, in
essence, become family. While retirement gives
him more time to paint, he still practices part-time
in order to maintain his dental license. He began
his dentistry career 37 years ago after he earned
a doctorial degree from Portland State University. The office he operates today is the first one he
opened almost four decades ago.
While becoming a dentist was a slowly developed passion for the Portland artist, it is art that
has been in his skin since his youth. To Hill, painting is a way to work his eyesight in a different perspective and master the way he sees everything
around him and try to capture it on canvas.
Born in the San Francisco Area in the 1940s to
a commercial artist mother, his family moved to
Portland in his early youth, living in various areas

of Southeast and Southwest Portland. His mother
was one of his earliest artistic influences.
“Instead of using a coloring book, my mom
would make me sit and copy one of her drawings
and I could never trace, only copy,” said Hill on his
earliest memory of drawing. The hobby never left
him, often competing in art shows while a student
at Lincoln High School and then later attending
The California School of Fine Arts in San Francisco.
Shortly after his third year in college, he enlisted in the military and served in Vietnam. The
six years he spent off and on as a medical ambulance driver would transform the way he looked at
people from all walks of life. “The experience just
really made me respect life” said Hill.
He would later adopt a young girl from Vietnam and raise her with his wife Jeanine and birth
daughter Andrea, in Portland. When he ventured
back to Portland, he enrolled at PSU where he
earned his doctorial degree.
It was 10 years ago when his art itch resurfaced.
He began attending evening classes at MHCC
with now-retired instructor and painter Patricia
Schmidt. He said Schmidt would helped him see
that he never needed the beginner’s course he was
enrolled in, but rather a quick reminder of how he
wanted his work to turn out; thus he began work
on watercolor paintings.
For 10 years now his work has been displayed
all around town, mostly in Gresham, where he
moved in 1973 from Portland to begin his dental
practice. His paintings have popped up in murals

in places such as City Hall, the Gresham School
District building and even in the College Center
here at MHCC. His three favorite objects to paint
are classic cars (from the ’20s and ’30s), people in
their everyday affairs and flowers.
The work he creates is first imagined through
a photo he takes of a certain individual or location and moves its way through a sketch pad, then
through his brush strokes onto canvass.
Painting equipment can be expensive and Hill
admits he’s fortunate to be painting full time now
and can focus on an individual piece at a time.
The process takes him roughly two to three weeks.
Each painting goes for $2,000.
Hill takes pride in Gresham as it has a strong
sense of community and remains low key to people
from neighboring suburbs.
“A lot of my work has been inspired from images here in town” says Hill, speaking on his creative inspiration. He cites local areas such as Walter’s Hill and Main Street in downtown Gresham
as a source of inspiration, both of which have been
transformed into his paintings. He also points out
that there are not many art galleries in East Multnomah County and is happy to have helped established a minor art scene here.
Now in his late 60s, Hill is more enthusiastic
than ever about his watercolor pieces. His collection of work titled “realism with an attitude”
will remain on display in the College Center until
Sept. 30, available with a description of the piece
and the artist himself. His work can also be seen
on his website (www.mikehillwatercolors.com).

Living Arts 7

September 24, 2010

Beth Fadel
is motivated by,
"Dressing for the
carrer path I want
to be successful
in."

Kara Pierson
"I try to
be as least
intimidating as
possible while
looking my
best."

Andrew Serino
owns two pairs
of "Tom's
shoes."

Denzel Weekly
"The way you
dress tell a lot
about you. I try
to show who I
am."

Photos by Devin Courtright/The Advocate

Fall fashion: Is this the year of the cardigan?
By Jill-Marie Gavin
The Advocate
When fall fashion trends come flowing in, it may
be overwhelming to think about the cost of revamping your wardrobe to fit what’s popular. Fortunately,
for men especially, many of the trends are innovative spins on already existing styles.
The cardigan continues to be a staple throughout recent years. Men can wear their cardigans with
polo style shirts or with simple v-neck t-shirts. Ladies should consider pairing an over-sized cardigan
with leggings.
Outerwear sells out fairly early in the season
and should be considered for purchase early in the
school year. Motorcycle jackets and military style
coats are two unisex options in addition to the fitted
pea coat and double-breasted coats. Pea coats hold
potential for layering.
Men: A blazer with a fitted cardigan beneath is
a growing trend; also keep your eye out for vintage
graphic tees to wear under your motorcycle or military style jacket.
Even if you have 20/20 eyesight, don’t overlook
the possibility of using eyewear for fashion. Glasses
are a great accessory for any ensemble. Run DMCstyle glasses, aviator-style reading glasses and
rectangular mod-style glasses are all good options
whether you want a youthful, hipster or sophisticated feel.

An over-sized beanie is a casual option to keep
you warm, add individuality to your outfit, as well
as conceal a bad hair day.
Although considered feminine in the past, scarves
can be a nice finishing touch to an overall look.
Brown shoes are much more popular now for
men, especially in boating or loafer style.
If you’re partial to athletic style, try wearing
a track jacket and fitted cap combination. With
a matching fitted track jacket and sneaker color
scheme, the rest of your outfit can be as laid back
and flexible for workouts as you’d like. Even sweatIf you are interested in venturing outside of
Gresham/Troutdale for shopping needs,
included is a list of coed bargain aimed retailers.
Buffalo Exchange (new and used):
1420 SE 37th Ave, Portland and
1036 W Burnside St, Portland
Crossroads Trading Co. (new and used):
3736 SE Hawthorne Blvd. Portland
Forever 21:
700 SW Fifth Ave., Suite 1035 Portland
H&M: (Coming to Portland in November)

pants are acceptable.
Women: Leggings continue to reign supreme as
a comfortable and fashionable option. If you haven’t
yet been alerted to the fashion hybrid of jeggings
(jean/denim leggings), please believe that stores
such as Target, Old Navy, Forever 21 and just about
any retailer providing women’s clothing are increasing their stock of these items weekly.
Army green tailored pants are a dressy new addition that you may consider adding to your wardrobe
for earth tone days.
Lace, floral, and floral lace prints are popular
this season. They can be made edgier when worn
with a leather jacket if you’re concerned about coming off too mature or overly delicate.
Over the knee boots come in flat and high heel.
Flat boots are recommended if you’re motivated by
comfort and conservative style, heels are recommended if you disregard both.
Tom’s shoes or “Tomorrow’s Shoes” (a shoe company that supplies a child in need with a pair of
shoes for each pair of shoes purchased by consumers) are a popular unisex option and are available
in various styles and colors. You may find these at
retailers such as Nordstrom or online at www.tomsshoes.com.
Flannel print can be spotted all over campus. For
men, a thicker fabric may be a good option to make
jackets optional. For the ladies, a thinner fabric
such as cotton might be nice due to its form fitting
properties and allowance for accessorizing.

Movie review: 'It's Kind of a Funny Story' proves to be a pretty funny story
By Shelby Schwartz
The Advocate
“It’s Kind of a Funny Story” is
based on a novel of the same name, by
author Ned Vizzini, because, let’s face
it, what movie isn’t based on a book
these days?
The movie features: newcomer Keir
Gilchrist as Craig, a stressed-out 16year-old who checks himself into the
psychiatric ward of a hospital; Lauren Graham (Gilmore Girls) as Craig’s
mom Lynn; Jim Gaffigan (Going the
Distance) as dad George; Zoe Kravitz,
(Lenny’s daughter) as Nia who plays
Craig’s best friend Aaron’s girlfriend;
Emma Roberts (Julia’s niece and Valentine’s Day) as Noelle; Zach Galifianakis (The Hangover’s Alan) as Bobby; and Viola Davis as Dr. Minerva.
In a quick rundown of the plot,
Craig, in his own words, “has a lot going on in his mind,” including a girl
and a summer school application.

Also, he’s suicidal and has been depressed for a year. He accidentally
checks himself into the psych ward of
a hospital, and the teen floor is conveniently undergoing renovations so all
teens are staying with the adult patients in the wing known as “3 North.”
After begging to be admitted, Craig
comes to his senses once he meets his
roommate, who in Craig’s words is
“a depressive middle-aged Egyptian
dude” who creeps him out. He then
asks to be released but is told by Dr.
Minerva that he must stay for five
days, no longer than 30, before he will
be released to his parents.
Without giving too much away,
Craig’s parents come to visit and his
mom (Graham) convinces him to stay,
as she feels it will be good for him
and he might feel better when he is
released. In one of those inner monologue type things, Craig says, “Don’t
blame my parents for how messed up

I am even though my dad works too
much, my mom is a little too fragile
and my sister is some kind of child genius.”
In Craig’s five days in 3 North, he
meets plenty of crazy, interesting people, such as Suicidal Bobby (Galifianakis) who he bonds with, and teenager
Noelle (Roberts) who becomes his love
interest in the film.
During his time there he participates in activities such as drawing,
which he thinks he is terrible, but
it turns out he is really good and he
begins to draw strange map pictures.
He decides this is something he likes.
There is also a musical number featuring the psych patients singing Queen’s
“Under Pressure.”
This movie has a cool, laid-back
feel, jammed packed with crazy oneliners from crazy psych patients such
as: “Back in the day I was sir-lick-a
lot;” “It smells like a hobo’s band-aid;”

and “You should be on Coney Island
bird-dogging chicks.” Also, I love Galifianakis because he is so funny without even trying. Gilchrist also has a
good performance as a stressed teen
trying to navigate his way through
school, life and talking to girls. Roberts plays the slightly mysterious teen
that catches Craig’s eye.
I am going to classify this movie as
a comedy-drama because yes, you will
laugh, be sure of that, but the characters are all struggling with being
different. Craig and Bobby both have
issues that they work through during
the movie, so it’s all very dramatic at
the same time.
This movie is funny, moving and
definitely interesting. I say go see it
because you will love it, the characters
are believable and the acting is good.
This comedy-drama, from Focus Features, is rated PG-13 and opens Oct. 8.

8 Living Arts

September 24, 2010

Concert Review:

Neural Sturgeon
Staff member brings alternative rock
to MHCC Main Mall
By Anevay Torrez
The Advocate

Noontime on campus is typically buzzing with the
conversations of students visiting with others students
while eating their lunch — except on Tuesday when
Portland’s Neural Sturgeon played the Main Mall.
This was their third performance since they started
playing together a few months ago.
Neural Sturgeon members include bass guitarist and
MHCC English instructor Michele Hampton. Her
husband, Scott Hampton, is the lead singer/songwriter
who teamed up with drummer Ryan and guitarist Josh.
Together their alternative rock sound created a great
atmosphere for students to sit and listen while eating
their lunch.
Ryley Croghan, a first-year engineering transfer student,
said, “It’s pretty mellow. I like it, it’s cool to have something
to do during lunch.”
Along with other students listening, Croghan seemed to be
enchanted by the band’s easy-going presence and rockin’
performance. Seeing the familiar face of Michele Hampton
as bass guitarist sparked interest in students, watching a
Photos by Jessica Ison

Top photo from left to right: Drummer Ryan and Bass
Guitarist Michelle Hampton playing in the courtyard.
Bottom right: Guitarist Josh singing backup while playing
acoustic guitar.

faculty member sharing a side of themselves
that students normally don’t see inside a
classroom setting.
Among the MHCC students hearing Neural
Sturgeon for the first time was Jill Black,
a friend of the band who was jamming out
to every song played. “I love it,” said Black.
The band has only been playing together
for a few months, which is impressive in
the way that they didn’t miss a single beat
during their performance.
If you like what you heard in the Main Mall, it
doesn’t have to stop there: Neural Sturgeon’s
next show is Monday at The Report Lounge,
1101 E. Burnside St., Portland. They can
also be found on MySpace.

Thursday marked the end of Welcome
Week as the Student Activities Board
sponsored a carnival in the Main Mall
despite the rain.
The carnival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
featured lunch for students that including corn dogs and grilled cheese sandwiches.
The carnival did not get into full swing
until about 10:40 a.m. as the rain forced
the game booths under cover.
“I spent the summer (about a month
and a half) planning for Welcome Week
to get students involved with the campus,
let them know about the different departments and majors to give them a good
‘welcome back to school’ feel,” said SAB
director Leigh Oliver.
The carnival included booths for a balloon dart toss, a ring toss and a bottle
smash.
SAB seasonal events coordinator Keis-

han Dorsey said there was fun and games
to win prizes and get students engaged
early so they didn’t just go to class and
then go home.
The games were set up like a circuit
and once a student earned a ticket from
one booth, they would then have the
chance to spin the prize wheel and the
chance to win prizes depending on what
number they landed on. If they landed
on a space with no number, they had the
chance to win an umbrella, hat or shirt. If
students landed on numbers 5 through 9,
they could pick from a notebook, binder,
water bottle, lanyard or cup. If they spun
1 through 4, they could pick from a pen,
license plate frame, keychain or Frisbee.
Although the weather did not cooperate, many students were still able to enjoy the food and games despite the cold
and rain.
“Being in the Main Mall brings everyone together,” Dorsey said.

Photo by Richard Ison

From Left Ruby Harris recieves
Frisbee prize from Keishan
Dorsey at SAB carnival.

September 24, 2010

By Jon Fuccillo
The Advocate

Volleyball returns
to former glory
under leadership
of Chelsie Speer

By her second season, Mt.
Hood’s head volleyball coach
Chelsie Speer has turned this
program back into a powerhouse
after a one-year stint when the
team went from first (NWAACC
title in 2007) to worst in 2008.
As an assistant coach, Speer
was part of two NWAACC championships in 2006 and 2007.
She’s had a fair share of success
under Lena Chan, now head
coach of the Pacific University
Boxers in Forest Grove.
When the Saints played in
the land of the beloved onions
this past weekend, at the Walla
Walla Crossover Sept. 17-18,
they once again walked away
victorious and came home with
hardware.
It wasn’t an easy test after
losing to Walla Walla University
in a best of three games match
on the first day of play. They
turned things around and won
their next five matches including four in a row on Saturday.
During a recent poll in the
Southern Region, all the coaches said the Saints were still the
team to beat after going 10-0 in
conference last season and taking second place at NWAACCs.
Not a bad first season in what
most thought was going to be a
rebuilding year with the transition of head coaches. Three new
coaches in three years can be a
turn off to recruits and in choosing a college.
Most people would say “they
would have to be the clear favorite after a season like last year.”
That’s true on the surface. But
with that said, like all community college sports you’re only
eligible for two years of action,
unlike four-year schools who can
develop their players over a longer 4-5 year span.
With all of this said, if you’re
a new, not so new, former student, or staff member just wandering around campus, please
show your support and attend
home games.
College is all about the experience. So come experience an
amazing set of young talent on
the hard floor.
Like every season the goal
is to win it all. But without
fans and other outside support,
beyond their close family and
friends, it can become less motivating — even though this group
of young gals would beg to differ.

Cross country head coach Matt
Hart continues to be satisfied with his
young runners performance, although
they have finished at the back of the
pack in consecutive meets.
“These first few races have been
vital,” said head coach Matt Hart
through email Wednesday night. “Our
freshmen have received a lot of benefit
in understanding competing at the collegiate level.”
The women took 13th place out of 17
teams, while the men placed 16th out
of 17 teams on Saturday after competing in the Sundodger Invitational at
the University of Washington.
Out of 191 competitors in the women’s field, two Saint runners finished
in the top 100 in the 6K race. Sophomore Amanda Faggard placed 58th
with a time of 23:57.03 and freshman
Gabriella Diaz took 71st with a time of
24:14.35.
Shawna Schooley, an Everett Community College sophomore runner
from the 2009 NWAACC championship
team, finished in 12th place (22:32.12).
This was the first time the Saints
competed against Schooley who was
the individual winner at last year’s 6K
NWAACC Championship and the clear
favorite in the 2010 NWAACC Championship Nov. 13 in Clackamas.
For the second week in a row, Donnie Coulson was the top male to cross
the finish line for the Saints with a

photo contributed by matt hart

Sophomore Amanda Faggard placed 58th in a field of 191 competitors Saturday in the Sundodger Invitational
at the University of Washington.

time of 28:16.21 in the 8K race. This
was the second time that he has competed in the 8K. (Coulson competed in
the 5K during high school.)
“It’s a completely different atmosphere from high school,” said Coulson who attended The Dalles-Witonka
High. “The distance is the biggest difference.
“It has been surreal competing against some of these (four-year
schools). I’m just having fun with it.
It’s my first time running in the 8K.
I’m just trying to gain experience.”
Coulson said his goal is to lower his
time into the mid-27-minute range.

“I want to break 28 minutes this
year,” Coulson said. (Coach Hart) has
us working hard. I don’t know if he’s
doing anything special since it’s all so
new to me. Every new meet brings a
new experience.”
The team will next compete Oct. 2
at the Charles Bowles Invitational at
Bush Pasture Park at the Willamette
University.
“We plan on competing at a high
level at the Willamette meet,” said
Hart. “We are at the point where our
fitness is high and we need to focus on
strategies of racing.”

Saint Athletes of the Week
Amanda Faggard -

Cross country

Faggard took 58th place out of 191 competitors Saturday at the
Sundodger Invitational at the University of Washington. The sophomore from Molalla finished with a time of 23:57.03. She was the first
Saint to finish the race.

Kyra Speer - Volleyball
Last year’s Southern Region Player of the Year is back where she
left off a year ago. Most recently in a match against rival Chemeketa
Wednesday nigh,t she ended the game with nine kills. On Sept. 15, the
NWAACC awarded her Southern Region Offensive Player of the Week.

Donnie Coulson -

Cross country

In back-to-back weeks, the freshman runner from The Dalles
finished as the Saints top male runner in the 8K. He finished
with a time of 28:16.21 Saturday at the Sundodger Invitational at
the University of Washington. The week before, on Sept. 10, he
crossed the finish line with a time of 28:51.69 at the West Coast
Preview at the University of Portland.

Devan Belshe -

Volleyball

The freshman outside hitter led the way Wednesday night
with a match-high 11 kills in the conference opener against the
Chemeketa Storm. She has been one of the team’s most consistent
freshmen.

10 Sports

September 24, 2010

Too easy: Speer and company sweep Storm

Photo by devin courtright/The advocate

The Mt. Hood Saints won its first conference match Wednesday night against the Chemeketa Storm in a three-game home sweep. Kyra Speer (8) said Wednesday. “We just came out and wanted this game.”

Saints pick up where they left off last year, easily winning first conference match of year
By Jon Fuccillo
The Advocate

Early season games have not offered much of
a challenge yet for the Saints volleyball team —
and that held true in their first conference action
Wednesday night against the Chemeketa Storm at
home.
The Saints took the match in three straight
games (25-16, 25-14, 25-16) against last season’s
second-place Storm.
There were a lot of high fives and smiles after
the game in celebration of the three-game sweep.
Co-captain and outside hitter Kyra Speer especially
was in a good mood, something she has gotten used
to as a Saint.
“We just came out and wanted this win,” said
Speer.
Freshman outside hitter Devan Belshe, twin of
teammate middle back Demi Belshe from Roseburg,
ended the contest with a game-high 11 kills, including the hit of the evening in game three that sent
a handful of Storm players to the ground rolling
around and confused. Speer chipped in with nine
kills.

Coach Chelsie Speer said Devan and Kyra have
a great counter balance and that the two played significant roles in the win.
“They push each other,” the coach said of the two
outside hitters. “Those two strive to do better than
one another. It’s healthy competition.”
What impressed her most about the sweep?
“We definitely did a lot of the little things well,”
Coach Speer said. “Those were the things that were
frustrating me the most (earlier in the season).”
She said she also enjoyed her team’s polished
start to each game, something she admits has been
an issue in past matches.
“The way we started (was great),” she said. “We
haven’t started that well and held that. We usually
start off bad and end up finishing strong.”
First-year Storm head coach Peter Piexoto was
disappointed after the sweep.
“I was expecting a win,” Piexoto said. “You never
expect to just play okay. I was expecting to compete
and come out with a victory, and that obviously
didn’t happen.
“They were the more aggressive team,” said
Piexoto. “I think they wanted it a little more.”

Although the Saints made winning look easy
Wednesday night. Coach Speer wants her team to
focus on one game at a time no matter the competition.
“I’m huge on respecting opponents,” she said.
“We have to go out and give it 100 percent. I don’t
like being cocky but at the same time I am confident
with who and what we have.”
Missing in action Wednesday was sophomore cocaptain Haley Leithem. The outside hitter sprained
her left ankle on a freak accident after jumping and
landing on it wrong last weekend in the Walla Walla
Crossover.
She had previously sprained her right ankle less
than two months ago.
Leithem, who didn’t want to make any excuses
for not being on the court, said she plans on being
back as soon as possible and is waiting on clearance
from the coaching staff.
“I want to play this weekend against SWOCC ,”
said Leithem, who had a light practice on Tuesday
afternoon in easing her way back to action.
The Saints travel today to Coos Bay for a 7 p.m.
match against the Southwestern Oregon Lakers.

Upcoming Southern Region schedule
Teams playing

Location

Time

Quote of the game

September 24
Mt. Hood vs. SW Oregon

Coos Bay

6 p.m.

Clackamas vs. Umpqua

Roseburg

6 p.m.

Linn-Benton vs. Chemeketa

Salem

7 p.m.

Mt. Hood vs. Umpqua

Roseburg

1 p.m.

Clackamas vs. SW Oregon

Coos Bay

1 p.m.

September 25
Head coach
Chelsie Speer

"We definitely did a lot of the little things
well. Those were the things that were
frustrating me the most (earlier in the
season)."

September 24, 2010

Sports 11
Volleyball co-captainsHaley Leithem (left) and Kyra Speer steal a moment
away from the Chemeketa Community College game Wednesday.
photo by Devin Courtright/The Advocate

Story by Chanel Hill
The Advocate

Y

Best friends play together with trust and tunnel vision

ou may know Kyra Speer and Haley Leithem as MHCC’s co-captains on the said of Leithem. “She’s always helping out with everything. It’s been real helpvolleyball team, but you may not know them as “Savage” and “Drill Sergeant.” ful. Last year I had headaches. Those girls (the co-captains) have stepped it up
Tack on intense, driven and good-hearted and you’ll begin to understand to lead.”
the two best friends who have played together since their sophomore year at
The two take time away from their matches and practices to have fun, enjoyGresham High School.
ing the occasional girls night out, even sharing nearly every class their freshOn the court the girls are known for their intensity and skill. Off the court man year. They share a bond that serves as an asset not only to the team, but
they appreciate each other’s quirks, which extend to unique eating abilities. “I also to one another.
call her Savage for a few reasons,” Leithem said about Speer, “but this girl can
“Haley is just a really, really good friend.” said Kyra Speer. “And that’s how
crunch food like you’ve never seen. She eats so much food and she’s still a twig.” she is on the court, she is there for her team.”
The two first met in high school when Leithem
Speer has had her fair share of individual success,
moved from California for her sophomore year.
racking
up just about every award imaginable in the
“I call her Savage for a few reasons.”
“Kyra was one of the first people I met,” said
sport. But her coach has been more impressed with
Leithem. “We were more acquaintances sophomore
her confidence this year.
Haley Leithem
year. We got close junior year, and by senior year she
“Kyra is more confident,” said Chelsie Speer of her
Co-volleyball Captain new sister-in-law. “She hasn’t always been so confiwas one of my best friends.”
After the two graduated in 2008, they decided
dent. Last year she got down on herself.” Which is
Mt. Hood was next on their agenda, and in their rookie season they placed sec- where Haley plays her part. “She (Haley) helps me out a lot. Anytime I’m feelond at NWAACCs.
ing down or my game is off, she’s the one there telling me I can do it.” said Speer
Now as sophomores, the two who were unanimously voted co-captains by the
Whether on or off the court, the co-captains and friends share a trust that at
team are combining their personalities and athletic ability to lead.
times requires no words. “When we’re on the court, she looks at me and I know
“She’s known all around Gresham,” said a hoarse-voiced Leithem following what to do. She trusts me over everyone else.” said Leithem.
a recent practice. “She’s a legend; she has the skill set. People look up to her
From their encouragement of each other at practice, to their weight room
because she leads by example.”
rivalries, their friendship remains the constant along with a shared tunnel viLeithem has a different leadership style. “I’m encouraging, as you can hear sion goal for their team: winning this year’s NWAACC title.
from my voice,” she said. “I’m crazy and loud. People call me the team mom.”
“We want our team to play with heart. We know what it’s like to finish second
Coach Chelsie Speer repeated that the team calls Leithem the team mom, and we don’t want that feeling again,” insists Speer. “Our friendship helps a lot.
adding that she has shown a new sense of maturity from last year.
We are always on the same page.”
“She’s just one of those people that I don’t have to worry about,” the coach
-Jon Fuccillo contributed to this story

12 The Flipside

The Advocate

September 24, 2010

PHOTO BY DEViN COURTRIGHT/THE ADVOCATE

7

Day
Forecast
Saturday
Partly Cloudy
80o F
Sunday
Few Showers
72o F
Monday
Partly Cloudy
75o F
Tuesday
Partly Cloudy
71o F
The MHCC bookstore experienced lines this week that wound through aisles, around the back of the store and even out into the Main Mall. “Textbook rentals have
quadrupled,” said Rachel Avery, representative for Nebraska Book Company.

Did you know . . .

IBM filed an application for a patent that would enable them to develop a
traffic light system that can “remotely stop and start the engines of vehicles,”
according to PhysOrg.com.
The idea behind the patent would be to “reduce wastage of fuel and optimize
the movement of vehicles through the intersection or crossing.”
This is how IBM proposes the system would work: It would be able to sense
the position of a vehicle waiting at a red light by using Wi-Fi technologies,
cellular networks, or satellite communications. The vehicle would be placed
in a queue with others waiting at the same signal. Once it has determined
that the vehicle has waited longer than a set threshold (two minutes), the
system would send a signal to the engine or engines to shut them off. Once
the light turned green, another signal would be sent to re-start each engine
in the order of the queue.

Fashion
comes to Mt. Hood with
new trends and easy ways to
update your current style.

PAGE 7

Wednesday
Partly Cloudy
69o F
Thursday
Sunny
67o F
Friday
Sunny
64o F

Updated information and stories on
www.advocate-online.com

Hmm . . . maybe IBM has too much time on its hands.

October 6

Topic:
Global warming
wPlease deliver entries by 4:30 p.m.,
Oct. 6, to Janet Campbell
in Social Sciences, office 2667.
wSubmission must include hard
copy of both the photo and a brief
explanation statement.
GRAND PRIZE:
$40 GIFT CERTIFICATE TO BURGERVILLE!

Winner will be announced at
the "350" Global Warming Event
in the College Center
Oct. 8, noon-1:30 p.m.

Event Sponsored
by ''350''.

Graffiti exhibit submission by Doug Forest
located in the Visual Arts Gallery.